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SCCD 31769 Kirk Knuffke Quartet “Chorale” In the last few years Cornetist Kirk Knuffke has developed a formidable discography on SteepleChase label with three duo recordings with pianist Jesse Stacken, each of which is a tribute to jazz’s great composers, and one quartet collaboration with veteran saxophonist Ted Brown. Kirk Knuffke filled the new album here entirely with his own original compositions to showcase his unique compositional talent. " Over the last couple years, New York trumpeter Kirk Knuffke has quietly emerged as one of the most exciting and flexible hornmen on the scene .” Peter Margasak – Downbeat magazine 1. Wingy (Kirk Knuffke)2. Made (Kirk Knuffke)3. Kettle (Kirk Knuffke)4. … Continue reading →

On Trilix SCCD 31551 allaboutjazz’ Donald Elfman wrote, “ When a piano trio—or any jazz group, for that matter—is at the top of its game, all of the qualities that make its individual members shine come to the fore … Harold Danko (piano), Michael Formanek (bass) and Jeff Hirshfield (drums) make a vitally engaging, intelligent and musical trio album. …” 1. Murmur Not (Harold Danko)2. All The Things You Are (Jerome Kern)3. Tired Trade (Andrew Hill)4. Poinciana (Nat Simon)5. Escapade (Kenny Dorham)6. Serenity (Joe Henderson)7. Yesterdays (Jerome Kern)8. Brown's Town (Kenny Dorham)9. What Is This Thing Called Love (Cole Porter) UPC/EAN: 716043167425 … Continue reading →

Pianist Harodl Danko brings back his successful “Trilix”(SCCD ) trio to present another essential trio treats here. On “Trilix” album Donald Elfman of All About Jazz wrote, “When a piano trio—or any jazz group, for that matter—is at the top of its game, all of the qualities that make its individual members shine come to the fore but also work in the service of both the tunes and the larger aesthetic of the group. Harold Danko (piano), Michael Formanek (bass) and Jeff Hirshfield (drums) make a vitally engaging, intelligent and musical trio album. 1. Time Remembered (Bill Evans)2. All Or Nothing At All (Arthur Altman)3. How Deep Is The Ocean … Continue reading →

On this his 8 th release, the leader Dave Ballou states, “Of the sessions I have made for SteepleChase this one is particularly significant. This recording represents a direction I have been headed in for years: informing one’s self with knowledge and experience, in both art and life, therefore increasing the potential to create a vast experience for the audience. The collaborative creations you hear on this recording are the collective conversations of three people sincerely striving to connect with you, the listener. …” 1. Restraint (Dave Ballou)2. MF (Dave Ballou)3. Insistence (Dave Ballou)4. Upon Reflection (Dave Ballou)5. Randy Starts (Dave Ballou)6. Once Round (Dave Ballou)7. Silly Dance And Coda … Continue reading →

Harold Danko renders his most personal pianistic insight into the music of Earl Hines precisely 100 years after the great piano man’s birth. “… The CD should make everyone dig out their Hines sides and listen again to the pieces and personality that made such an indelible imprint on the jazz muse.” (Mark Gardner) Of the Harold Danko Trio’s 2004 release Trilix SCCD 31551, Steve Futtermn of JazzTimes wrote, “… Danko’s a mature player who knows the power of economy, melodic sense and a refined touch; wasting not a note, his improvisations always tell a compelling story.” 1. Deep Forest (Earl Hines)2. You Can Depend On Me (Earl Hines)3. Rosetta … Continue reading →

The 6 th leader album by trumpeter Dave Ballou finds him in an unusual but fascinating two-bass quartet form. In addition to the two superb bassists John Hebert and Michael Formanek, percussionist Kevin Norton contributes his part on drums and vibes. Here’re excerpts of reviews on Ballou’s earlier releases: “ Ballou plays idea-rich, solidly structured solos…He has a full, warm, cultivated tone; plays very well in the lower as well as upper register…. a thoughtful, melodic improviser… .”(Harvey Pekar/JazzTimes on The Floating World SCCD 31486) “ Ballou’s a formidable writer…Ballou’s music…allows a range of emotions to exist within a particular song …” (Greg Buium/Cadence on Volition SCCD 13460 1. Dancing … Continue reading →